Ottoman

Name: Summer

Shop Name: Ottoman

Shop Link: http://ottoman.etsy.com

Location: Oregon

Ships To: Everywhere

What materials do you use for your ECO friendly products? Well, I shop locally for roving and yarn that go into my Moss and Lichen Collections and my Cork Collection is made of renewable cork (psst...the collection is on clearance: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5246827&section_id=5872429 ); my Personalized Doily Paintings are painted on maple plywood that I buy from a builders' surplus center.


Why did you decide to make ECO friendly products? Well, the idea comes first, then I try to fit in as many eco-friendly products I can. I also try to re-use as much material as I can for packing my items to ship.

What inspires you? Lots of things! Small things in nature, science, current events (well, that's for a future project I'm working on), materials, and I must admit...trends; my Personalized Doily Paintings probably never would have happened if doilies weren't everywhere, but I certainly don't let trends dictate what I do...they just can inspire! That being said, my Moss Collection was inspired my real moss!

How long have you had your shop on Etsy? I started listing in October of 2007.


Is this a job for you or a hobby? A bit of both. My job is taking care of my son, but when he's in school, I may start to try to grow Ottoman.

Besides your business practices, do you do other things to live a green life? The main thing I try to do is think before I buy...that's more important than anything, I think!

How did you get into your craft? I actually have a BFA in printmaking and sculpture, but after I had my son, I needed a creative outlet that I could put down at a moments notice and something I could do in my lap...needle felting was perfect!

Do you have any advice for fellow Etsy shop owners? Do what you love! Think outside the box! Take good pictures!

Anything else you would like to add? Thank you!

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Labels: Etsy seller, interview